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enFourFourTwo's 59 Best Under-21 Wonderkids in the WorldFeast your eyes on the future: FourFourTwo.coms list of the brightest bulbs in world football...http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-59-best-under-21-wonderkids-world
Few things in football make the fan’s heart surge as much as the arrival of a wonderkid. A bright-eyed new talent who might take on the world, quite possibly dragging your hopeless bunch of cloggers along with him as he starts on the path to global domination of the greatest sport known to humankind.
Similarly, few things in football feel better than knowing about something – or someone – that other people don’t. That’s why we at FourFourTwo have long brought you the Boy’s A Bit Special andTalentspotterfinds, alerting you to the finest fledgling face-fuzz wearers in football.
And so, here we bring you the stars of tomorrow, and in some cases today. You’ll know some of the names higher up the list – but there's plenty of others you won't. So read on...
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POLLYOU decide: Who is the best under-21 wonderkid in the world?
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FourFourTwo's 59 Best Under-21 Wonderkids in the World 2016
featureThu, 06 Oct 2016 18:30:00 +0000Joe Brewin635392 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comBailey opens up on Manchester United linksLeon Bailey is only interested in leaving Genk for Manchester United if Jose Mourinho can guarantee him regular playing time.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/bailey-opens-manchester-united-links
Genk winger Leon Bailey has insisted he would reject the chance to sign for Manchester United if the Old Trafford side did not guarantee him regular first-team football.
The 19-year-old Jamaican is regarded as one of the most exciting players in Belgium and has been heavily linked with a move to pastures new.
Paris Saint-Germain and Ajax both attempted to sign him during the close-season, while United are also believed to be keeping a close eye on the teenager.
But Bailey has made it clear he is in no rush to leave Genk.
"If I were to leave Genk, it would be for a club where I get regular playing time," Bailey told HLN.
"If Manchester United want to sign me, but they cannot give me the guarantee that I will play regularly, I would reject them. It's as simple as that.
"I am not leaving Genk unless I get guaranteed regular playing time. I am 19 years old and I need to play in order to keep developing.
"I will not leave Genk for a bigger club in order to warm the bench there."
Bailey has a contract with Genk until June 2020, with the Belgians reportedly valuing him at €20 million.
He has scored eight goals in 25 appearances in all competitions this term.
news_articleWed, 23 Nov 2016 09:46:02 +0000Anonymous654645 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comFive-star Aduriz lauds Athletic team-matesAritz Aduriz starred by scoring all five in Athletic Bilbao's 5-3 win over Genk in the Europa League but was quick to praise his team-mates.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/five-star-aduriz-lauds-athletic-team-mates
Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz hailed the contribution of his team-mates after his remarkable five-goal haul to sink Genk in the Europa League.
The veteran frontman became the first man to score five in a single Europa League match, including a hat-trick of penalties, as he netted from every attempt on target at San Mames.
Nevertheless, Aduriz insisted the limelight should be shared as Athletic moved up to second place in Group F with two matches remaining – drawing level on points with their opponents, who won 2-0 when the sides met in Belgium during the previous matchweek.
"There was the team; without the team I'm nobody," he told beIN Sports.
"I finish the plays bit the work was from all. We have stood firm, have had occasional setbacks but we have been remade.
"It was totally crucial for the future of the team in the Europa League. We needed the three points and we are happy. Despite suffering a lot, because Genk is a great team, we could win."
news_articleFri, 04 Nov 2016 08:53:16 +0000Anonymous646708 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comAduriz nets five as Athletic Bilbao beat GenkA trio of penalties formed part of a sensational five-goal haul for Aritz Aduriz as Athletic Bilbao defeated Genk in the Europa League.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aduriz-nets-five-athletic-bilbao-beat-genk
Aritz Aduriz became the first player since 1994 to score five times in a Europa League match as he netted all of Athletic Bilbao's goals in a thrilling 5-3 victory over Genk.
Fabrizio Ravanelli was the last man to achieve a five-goal haul in Europe's second-tier competition and Spain striker Aduriz has now doubled his tally in all competitions for the campaign.
The 35-year-old opened the scoring early on at San Mames, before sealing a first-half hat-trick with two well-taken penalties.
5 - Prior to Aduriz the last player to score five goals in a UEFA Cup / EL game was Fabrizio Ravanelli in 1994 vs CSKA Sofia. Fox.
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) November 3, 2016
Genk, who had pulled one back earlier on through the impressive Leon Bailey, moved to within one of Athletic after half-time courtesy of Wilfred Ndidi.
But Aduriz quickly restored the hosts' two-goal cushion and, after Tino-Sven Susic had netted Genk's third, he capped his sensational display with another successful spot-kick in stoppage time as all five of his shots on target resulted in goals.
5 - Aritz Aduriz scored five goals from just five shots on target against Genk. Conversion pic.twitter.com/7QCE7Cg1Tw
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) 3 November 2016
The victory lifts Athletic - currently seventh in LaLiga - up to second place in Group F with two games remaining.
5 - Aritz Aduriz is the first Spanish player to score five goals in a single European game (since 1971). Repoker pic.twitter.com/DwukKL0iKn
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 3, 2016
news_articleThu, 03 Nov 2016 20:50:32 +0000Anonymous646552 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comYOU decide: Who is the best under-21 wonderkid in the world? Weve had our say so its your turn to have yours...http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/you-decide-who-best-under-21-wonderkid-world
This week we've been counting down who we believe to be the best under-21s in world football. Now we've reached our conclusions, we want to know what you think.
READ THIS FourFourTwo's 59 Best Under-21 Wonderkids in the World
Do you agree with our selections? If you don't, you can have your say below by up- and downvoting our top 20. Make your opinion count!
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FourFourTwo's 59 Best Under-21 Wonderkids in the World
featureFri, 07 Oct 2016 16:05:15 +0000Joe Brewin635912 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comFourFourTwo's 59 Best Under-21 Wonderkids in the World: 59-51We kick off our countdown of the planets finest youngsters aged 20 and under with a Chelsea-tracked Brazilian, a Premier League winner and the wideman whos turning his back on his home countryhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-best-59-under-21-wonderkids-world-59-51
Words: David Cartlidge, Marcus Alves, Priya Ramesh, Jonathan Harding, Tom Kundert, Joe Brewin, Andrew Gibney, Michael Yokhin.
59. Jesus Vallejo, 19 (Eintracht Frankfurt, on loan from Real Madrid)
Like they did with Marco Asensio from Mallorca, Real Madrid acted swiftly to snap up Jesus Vallejo from Real Zaragoza in 2015. The centre-back had to grow up quickly too – at 18 he’d already captained his boyhood club and was handed the armband with reason.
Vallejo is a mature performer and leadership comes naturally to him – he also captained Spain's U19s to victory at the 2015 European Championship. But it’s his playing style that has won the most plaudits. He could well be Spain’s next Gerard Pique given the way he approaches his defending: smooth, subtle and extremely stylish.
Vallejo is incredibly gifted in possession and a key component in starting attacks from defence. He’s also shown the capability to play at full-back due to his speed, and also in defensive midfield given his ability on the ball. Spain fans have little reason to worry about the future of their defence. DC
58. Thiago Maia, 19 (Santos)
On the recommendations of his close friend, the PSG defender Marquinhos, Thiago Maia signed a contract with agent Giuliano Bertolucci last summer. What does that mean exactly? Well, he could now be eyeing a transfer to Chelsea.
Blues fans should be satisfied with the link. The Santos defensive midfielder is impressive – at just 19 years old he plays like a veteran on the field, solid enough to protect the back four but with good enough passing to play a box-to-box role. He was Brazil’s outstanding man during the group phase at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Maia excels with the ball at his feet, and can dribble his way through a pressing opposition to get his team further upfield. He’s also confident enough to play passes between the lines and is always looking to get the ball forward quickly, in a smart way. Consider yourself introduced. MA
57. Kasper Dolberg, 19 (Ajax)
Just a few weeks ago, this young Dane joined some illustrious company in Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten by scoring on his Ajax debut, in his case at home to PAOK (a fine goal at that too, below).
Dolberg was signed from Silkeborg IF only a year back after being scouted by John Steen Olsen, who has a track record of spotting Scandinavian talents for Ajax — notable among them, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Christian Eriksen.
Despite the loan signing of Bertrand Traore from Chelsea, Dolberg has been given the chance to start up front for Ajax – and more importantly, whenever given those opportunities, his performances have easily justified his selection. The 18-year-old brags speed and, particularly, a terrific shot on his right foot. Even beyond his stoic face and quiet persona, Dolberg exudes a certain calmness and lack of nerves beyond his years – perhaps similar to his compatriot Eriksen when he broke through. That’s not a bad lead to follow.PR
56. Benjamin Henrichs, 19 (Bayer Leverkusen)
Capped at every youth level for Germany, product of Bayer Leverkusen’s esteemed academy system and winner of the 2016 Fritz Walter gold medal in his home nation, Henrichs has quietly appeared out of nowhere to become a genuine right-back option for the first team. Or is that left-back, where he put in a man-of-the-match display against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday? Seemingly, it doesn’t matter.
Converted from an attacking midfielder – 11 goals and 17 assists served him well over three seasons at U19 level – Henrichs retains a strong desire to get forward. Nevertheless, his tackling is strong and his speed enables him to intercept the ball more often than not.
Although still improving on other aspects of his game, Henrichs is beating team-mate Tin Jedvaj (himself an excellent player) into the first XI so far this season. Based on the acceleration of his development, a full season of first-team football will see him flourish and finish near the top of Germany’s current crop of young defensive talents. JH
55. Jorge Meré, 19 (Sporting Gijon)
They’re crying out for centre-backs in Spain, and one at the forefront of those emerging is Meré. He's being labelled the best talent to emerge from Sporting Gijon since David Villa, and that may well have substance.
Meré has had to grow up quickly at Sporting, and was thrown into the first team at a tender age. He made his debut at 18 and is now a regular at 19, but his composure is terrific – a perfect mix of Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique.
There’s also a rough exterior to his game too, shown in the unfussy undertakings of his defensive duties, but also a tranquil one in which he snuffs out danger in graceful fashion. It’s a perfect defensive cocktail, and Meré packs a punch. DC
Next: Who's the Premier League's early entry?54. Andre Horta, 19 (Benfica)
Horta was distraught when he was let go by Benfica’s youth system as a 15-year-old. Determined not to give up on his dream, he moved to Vitoria Setubal where he made steady progress, culminating in an impressive 2015/16 campaign in which he clocked up over 36 games for the top-flight club despite still being a teenager.
It was so impressive that Benfica came back for him in the summer, offering a five-year contract. Even so, it was a surprise to many that the younger of two footballing siblings (big bro plays for Braga) has been a regular starter at the centre of Benfica’s midfield.
Determined to make the most of his second chance at the Lisbon giants, Horta has not looked out of place, his dynamism and clever passing standing out. From a physical point of view he could do with filling out and he needs to work on his consistency, but the early signs are that Benfica did well to bring him back. TK
53. Demarai Gray, 20 (Leicester)
A Premier League winner's medal at 19 was fine reward for Gray last season, after his unselfish and bright substitute appearances helped Leicester wrap up their miracle title.
The Foxes picked him up for an absolute bargain £3.7m in January after activating his release clause at Birmingham, and so far the England U21 international has done nothing to suggest he won’t fulfil his exciting promise. Gray was restricted to only one Premier League start last term, but his role in helping his team see out matches was vital and valued by Claudio Ranieri.
Regular first-team starts still aren’t forthcoming – not easy when you’re trying to break into this established line-up – but they’ll come in good time. Appearances in the Champions League and a corking goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford are yet more signs that Gray needn’t worry about his long-term progression. JB
52. Malcom, 19 (Bordeaux)
The Brazilian winger arrived at Bordeaux from Corinthians without much fanfare last January. Now, however, after time to settle and the influence of Jocelyn Gourvennec behind him, Ligue 1 fans are starting to see why he was so highly rated in Brazil.
Although Malcom has played mostly on the right for the French side, his excellent left foot is his greatest weapon. He’s quick to burst down the flank, and is good at keeping his head up to find a team-mate or popping up at the back post to get on the end of a chance. He showed Bordeaux fans on the opening day of the current season that he’s pretty capable from set-pieces too, curling a beautiful effort past Saint-Etienne's Stephane Ruffier – one of his three Ligue 1 goals so far this season.
Under new leadership this could be a vintage year for les Girondins, and you have to believe that Malcom is at the forefront of their resurgence. AG
51. Leon Bailey, 20 (Genk)
The 19-year-old Jamaican took the Belgian league by storm at Genk in 2015/16, and was voted Young Player of the Season after scoring six goals and providing nine assists. Explosive on the wing, Bailey is lightning quick, full of tricks and imagination, and a real joy to watch on top form.
His first days in Europe were controversial to say the least, when he was apparently brought to Belgium illegally in 2013, but now – after a short spell in Slovakia with Trencin – everything is done by the book.
In fact, Bailey would now prefer to represent Belgium at senior level, having declined offers from Jamaica to call him up. "My ambitions are bigger than love for my country. Jamaica won't make me better, and scouts don't come to see their games. With Belgium I will develop. I want to play against the best," he declared, matter-of-factly. With that attitude, Genk might not be able to keep him for much longer. MY
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FourFourTwo's 59 Best Under-21 Wonderkids in the World
FourFourTwo's 58 Best Football Manager 2016 Wonderkids
featureTue, 04 Oct 2016 11:15:27 +0000Joe Brewin634662 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comKabasele joins Watford on five-year dealAhead of Belgium's Euro 2016 quarter-final with Wales, Christian Kabasele's move from Genk to Watford has been confirmed.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/kabasele-joins-watford-five-year-deal
Christian Kabasele has signed a five-year deal with Watford after joining from Genk for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old centre-back is with the Belgium squad at Euro 2016, but is yet to make his first senior international appearance.
Kabasele's arrival preceded the announcement of defender Gabriele Angella's permanent exit to Udinese after three years with the club.
Kabasele made 81 appearances after joining Genk in 2014, scoring seven goals, and his signing comes one day after Jerome Sinclair's switch to Vicarage Road was completed.
Watford are also closing in on a deal to sign Granada's 20-year-old Nigerian striker Isaac Success, who penned a farewell letter to supporters of the Liga club on Thursday.
The Hornets are believed to have turned down big-money offers for forward duo Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo from Leicester City and Shanghai SIPG respectively.
OFFICIAL: #watfordfc pleased to announce the signing of Christian Kabasele on a 5-year deal: https://t.co/JX1HImtqSA pic.twitter.com/7mFH62c6Wk
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) July 1, 2016
news_articleFri, 01 Jul 2016 10:55:58 +0000Anonymous595911 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comCity loan Unal to GenkPromising Turkey international striker Enes Unal will spend the 2015-16 season on loan from Manchester City at Belgian outfit Genk.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/city-loan-unal-genk
Manchester City have loaned new signing Enes Unal to Genk.
Unal was manager Manuel Pellegrini's first signing of the close-season, the highly-rated striker arriving from Turkish team Bursaspor earlier this month.
The 18-year-old travelled to Australia and Asia for City's pre-season tour, but the Premier League side have decided to send the prodigy away to gain experience in the Belgian Pro League.
Unal became the youngest goalscorer in Turkish Super Lig history when he netted against Galatasaray as a 16-year-old in 2013, while he scored four times in 37 predominantly substitute appearances for Bursaspor.news_articleFri, 31 Jul 2015 07:28:44 +0000Anonymous426251 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comLille ordered to pay Genk compensation over Origi dealGenk will receive €300,000 in compensation from Lille over the French club's signing of Divock Origi.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/lille-ordered-pay-genk-compensation-over-origi-deal
Lille have been ordered to pay €300,000 compensation to Belgian club Genk over the signing of forward Divock Origi.
Belgium international Origi joined Lille in 2010 after playing for Genk's youth academy. He joined Premier League Liverpool in July last year before being loaned back to the Ligue 1 club for the 2014-15 season.
FIFA ruled in Februrary 2014 that Genk were not entitled to compensation for training Origi as they did not offer him a contract.
However, they appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS), who have accepted Genk's justification for not trying to sign Origi to a deal.
Genk argued the club would have been punishable under Belgian law by offering a contract to Origi, who was 15 when he left for Lille.
news_articleMon, 15 Jun 2015 12:52:36 +0000Anonymous404125 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMcLeish returns to management with GenkFormer Rangers, Aston Villa and Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has taken the top job with Belgian side Genk.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mcleish-returns-management-genk
The Pro League outfit sacked previous incumbentEmilio Ferrera after losing the opening game of the season 3-1 to Mechelen.
Genk have drawn their three matchessince then and have now moved to appoint a man who counts two Scottish Premier League titles and an English League Cup crown among his honours as a coach.
It marks the end of an 18-month absence from the game for the 55-year-old, who left Nottingham Forest by mutual consent in February 2013 after just seven games at the helm.
McLeish, who has signed a two-year deal, will seek to restore the three-times Belgian champions to their former glory, with the club's last title having come as recently as 2011.
The Scot enjoyed a hugelysuccessful playing career in his homeland, collecting three top-flight titlesand a European Cup Winners Cup medal with Aberdeen.
news_articleFri, 22 Aug 2014 18:46:12 +0000Anonymous236705 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comGenk sack Ferrera after one game of new seasonBelgian club Genk have sacked head coach Emilio Ferrera after just one game of the new Pro League season.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/genk-sack-ferrera-after-one-game-new-season
Ferrera arrived at the club in February, after Mario Been was dismissed following a disappointing run of results.
The 47-year-old helped guide Genk to sixth at the end of the 2013-14 regular season, although they finished bottom of the play-off group with just two wins from 10 matches.
On Sunday, Genk went down 3-1 at Mechelenin their season opener, and that has led to the club's board opting for a swift change of approach.
"Genk decided to say goodbye to head coach Emilio Ferrera,"a statement on the club's official website read on Tuesday.
"With everyone looking forward to a fresh start after a difficult season, the first game at Mechelen was surprisingly weak.
"It was decided to discontinue collaboration with Emilo Ferrera immediately.
"Training will be conducted by Pierre Denier until a successor is found."
news_articleTue, 29 Jul 2014 11:11:30 +0000Anonymous220794 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comKoulibaly completes Napoli switch from GenkKalidou Koulibaly is excited by the new challenge ahead of him after formally completing his move from Racing Genk to Napoli.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/koulibaly-completes-napoli-switch-genk
The Frenchdefender's transferwas announced in May and, after his contract in Belgium expired, he has now made the switch to Serie A.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contractand was presented as coach Rafael Benitez's first signing of the close-season on Tuesday.
After two seasons playing in the Pro League, the defender is looking forward to testing himself in a new environment when the season begins in August.
"I'm thrilled to be playing with Napoli," he told the club's official website. "(They are) a club that has a big important project.
"I'm ready for this adventure, I am looking forward to starting work with my new team-mates."
Napoli also confirmed goalkeeper Roberto Colombo and full-back Giandomenico Mesto had agreed freshterms atStadioSan Paulo.
news_articleTue, 01 Jul 2014 17:53:39 +0000Anonymous204614 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUEFA Europa League Wrap: Sevilla, Betis set up derbyFierce rivals Sevilla and Real Betis will contest a Seville derby in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League after progressing on Thursday.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/uefa-europa-league-wrap-sevilla-betis-set-derby
With Sevilla having drawn 2-2 at Maribor last week, goals from Jose Antonio Reyes and Kevin Gameiro put them in control with half an hour to play.
Although Dare Vrsic made it 4-3 on aggregate in the final minute, the Slovenian champions could not find the second that would have forced extra-time as Sevilla sealed their passage.
Sevilla will take on a Betis side who were impressive in winning 2-0 in Russia to seal a 3-1 aggregate success over Rubin Kazan.
Nono and Ruben Castro scored the goals and the upcoming derby now gives Betis a chance to salvage something from a dreadful season that currently sees them 11 points adrift of safety at the bottom of La Liga.
Two goals in the final 12 minutes saw Napoli through 3-1 on aggregate at the expense of Swansea City, who for a long period looked on course to secure a shock victory on away goals.
Lorenzo Insigne put the hosts ahead early on, but Jonathan de Guzman's equaliser gave the Welsh outfit hope until strikes from Gonzalo Higuain and Gokhan Inler broke Swansea hearts.
Napoli coach Rafael Benitez - who won the tournament last year with Chelsea - will continue his defence of the title with a tie against Porto, who secured a dramatic away goals victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
After a 2-2 draw in Portugal, the Germans looked in a strong position when leading 2-0 on the night. Eliaquim Mangala levelled with a brace, but the tie appeared to be settled when Alexander Meier restored Frankfurt's advantage in the 76th minute.
But with four minutes remaining, substitute Nabil Ghilas struck for the visitors to send Frankfurt crashing out.
Another dramatic comeback took place at White Hart Lane as Tottenham scored three goals in 13 second-half minutes to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory over Dnipro, who saw Roman Zozulya sent off for a headbutt on Jan Vertonghen.
Zozulya had given his side a two-goal advantage in the tie early in the second half, but his moment of madness cost his side dear as Christian Eriksen and a brace for Emmanuel Adebayor saw Spurs through.
Tim Sherwood's men will face last year's runners-up Benfica, who ran out 3-0 winners over PAOK to seal a 4-0 aggregate success.
Juventus and Fiorentina will meet in the next round in an all-Italian clash. Juve beat Trabzonspor 2-0 to seal a comfortable 4-0 passage, while Fiorentina's 1-1 draw saw them through 4-2 against Esbjerg.
Ajax suffered their joint-heaviest European aggregate defeat, going down 3-1 to Salzburg on the night and 6-1 over the tie, while Basel's 3-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv saw them through after a goalless first leg.
Juninho Quixada's 88th-minute strike saw Ludogorets through at the expense of Lazio, the Bulgarians claiming a 3-3 draw after their 1-0 win in Rome last week.
Ludogorets will face Valencia, whose goalless draw at home to Dynamo Kiev was enough to see them through 2-0 on aggregate.
AZ drew 1-1 with Slovan Liberec, sealing a 2-1 win overall, and will face Anzhi, who beat Genk 2-0 in Belgium after a scoreless first leg.
Elsewhere, Viktoria Plzen earned a surprise 2-1 win in Ukraine to see them overcome Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2. Plzen's reward is a tie with Lyon in the next round, who beat Chornomorets 1-0 after a 0-0 draw last week.
news_articleThu, 27 Feb 2014 22:53:42 +0000Anonymous129936 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comUEFA Europa League: Tricky ties for Napoli, SpursTwo tournament favourites in Napoli and Tottenham face tricky second legs as they look to progress to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/uefa-europa-league-tricky-ties-napoli-spurs
Rafael Benitez's side host Swansea at the Stadio San Paolo after a goalless draw in Wales, knowing a score draw would eliminate them on away goals, as well as a defeat.
Tottenham face arguably a greater task in overturning a 1-0 deficit against Dnipro of Ukraine when the two sides meet at White Hart Lane.
Yevhen Konoplyanka's late penalty earned the Ukrainian side a slender advantage in the first leg as the English side's 100 per cent record in the competition was snapped.
Should Tim Sherwood's side progress, they are likely to face last year's runners-up Benfica, who hold a 1-0 lead going into their home leg with PAOK.
Two sides expected to make it through are Juventus and Fiorentina, who both hold two-goal cushions over their opponents.
Juventus beat Trabzonspor 2-0 at home last week, while Fiorentina won 3-1 in Denmark against Esbjerg, and the Italian duo will face each other in the next round if they avoid a shock.
Lazio could not complete a trio of Italian winners however, as they went down to a 1-0 home reverse at the hands of Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets, leaving Edoardo Reja's men with it all to do in the return leg.
Valencia look set to progress, holding a 2-0 lead over Dynamo Kiev with the home leg to come, while AZ will also be confident after a 1-0 win in the Czech Republic against Slovan Liberec.
One team with a mountain to climb are Dutch giants Ajax, who have to somehow turn around a disastrous 3-0 defeat against Red Bull Salzburg in Amsterdam.
Local rivals domestically, Real Betis and Sevilla will look to boost the presence of La Liga teams in the last 16, with both earning score draws from away trips in the first leg.
Betis returned from Rubin Kazan with a 1-1 draw, while Sevilla's game at Maribor ended 2-2. If both sides progress, they would meet in a spicy last 16 tie.
Two sides knocked out of the UEFA Champions League, Shakhtar Donetsk and Viktoria Plzen, go head to head with the tie delicately poised following a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic in the first leg.
Porto, winners of the tournament in 2011, let a two-goal lead slip at home to Eintracht Frankfurt last week to draw 2-2 and their misery was further compounded as an 81-game unbeaten run at the Estadio do Dragao was brought to an end by Estoril at the weekend.
Coach Paulo Fonseca has seen his future questioned in the aftermath of the defeat, and will be desperate for a win, though Frankfurt's two away goals will give them confidence.
Elsewhere the ties between Anzhi and Genk, Chornomorets and Lyon, and Maccabi Tel Aviv and Basel also remain finely balanced following goalless draws in the respective first legs.
news_articleTue, 25 Feb 2014 11:54:18 +0000Anonymous128657 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comGenk part company with Been after poor runBelgian Pro League outfit Genk have parted company with manager Mario Been following a poor run of form.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/genk-part-company-been-after-poor-run
A 2-0 defeat at home to lowly Waasland-Beveren on Sunday proved to be the final straw, with that reverse marking an eighth loss in Genk's last 10 league games.
That result left the 2011 title winnersin sixth position, and they are in danger of slipping out of the play-off spots that decide the Belgian champions.
A statement on the club's website read: "After the defeat at home to Waasland-Beveren on Sunday evening it was clear that the much needed turnaround in the results of the Jupiler Pro League has been absent for too long.
"Genk wishes to thank Mario Been for the many successes. An appointment of a new coach will be made as soon as possible."
The former Feyenoord boss took the reins at Genk in August 2011, and led the club to a Belgian Cup triumph last season.
Assistant managers Pierre Denier and Hans Visser will take temporary charge, starting with the club's second-leg encounter at home toAnzhi Makhachkalain the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, with the tie currently locked at 0-0.
news_articleMon, 24 Feb 2014 09:48:50 +0000Anonymous128097 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com